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Abstract

The lateral surgical approach to the spine can offer advantageous as well as necessary visualization and direct surgical corridors in degenerative as well as traumatic disease of the thoracolumbar spine. The lateral position poses several specific challenges in positioning, surgical approach morbidity, as well as complication avoidance. Risks can be mitigated throughout the procedure with attentive preoperative planning and conscientious positioning of the patient. We present a methodical sequence of preoperative consideration, positioning, and complication avoidance for both degenerative and traumatic surgical spine cases.

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Correspondence to Matthew T. Brown .

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Brown, M.T., Cardenas, R., Fernandez, J. (2018). Spinal Procedures in the Lateral Position. In: Arthur, A., Foley, K., Hamm, C. (eds) Perioperative Considerations and Positioning for Neurosurgical Procedures. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72679-3_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72679-3_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-72678-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-72679-3

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